Sources familiar with the matter say communication channels remained open even after the January 3 raid, highlighting Cabello’s central role in post-Maduro stability.

According to multiple officials, the talks began early in the current Trump administration and continued right up to Maduro’s ouster.

These communications were aimed at managing risks inside Venezuela and preventing a violent backlash from security forces loyal to Cabello.

US officials reportedly warned Cabello against using the intelligence services, police, military units, or pro-government militias under his influence to target political opponents.

Those forces largely survived the raid intact and still represent the strongest coercive power inside the country.

Cabello, aged 62, was named in the same US drug trafficking indictment used to justify Maduro’s arrest. Despite this, he was not detained during the operation, raising questions among analysts and lawmakers.

Sources said discussions with Cabello also touched on US sanctions imposed against him and the criminal indictment he faces. The talks continued in the weeks after Maduro’s removal, underscoring Washington’s concern about preventing internal chaos.

US officials believe that if Cabello were to mobilize the forces he controls, it could destabilize Venezuela and threaten interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s hold on power.

Maintaining communication with him is seen as a way to reduce that risk during the fragile transition period.

It remains unclear whether the discussions included any understanding about Venezuela’s future governance structure. There is also uncertainty over whether Cabello has complied with US warnings to avoid repression.

Publicly, Cabello has pledged unity with Rodriguez, whom President Donald Trump has praised as a key partner in the post-Maduro phase.
Behind the scenes, however, Cabello is widely viewed as a potential spoiler.

Rodriguez is considered the cornerstone of Washington’s strategy for stabilizing Venezuela while accessing its vast oil reserves. Cabello’s influence could either reinforce that plan or derail it entirely.

Sources said Cabello has communicated with the US both directly and through intermediaries. All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

The White House and the Venezuelan government did not respond to requests for comment. The communications have not been previously disclosed.

Cabello has long been regarded as Venezuela’s second most powerful figure. A former military officer and close ally of late President Hugo Chavez, he later became Maduro’s most feared enforcer.

He has wielded control over military intelligence, civilian counterintelligence agencies, and pro-government militias known as colectivos. These armed groups have been accused of violently suppressing protests and intimidating opponents.

Although Cabello and Rodriguez have worked within the same power structures for years, they are not considered close allies. Their rivalry adds another layer of uncertainty to Venezuela’s political transition.

US officials worry Cabello’s history of repression and internal power struggles could undermine reforms. At the same time, Washington sees him as necessary to maintain short-term order.

In 2020, the US indicted Cabello as a key figure in an alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking network. A reward for information leading to his arrest has since risen to 25 million dollars.

Cabello has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking. He has also publicly condemned US intervention, stating that Venezuela will not surrender.

Following Maduro’s removal, reports of aggressive security checkpoints have declined. Both the US and Venezuelan authorities say some political prisoners are being released, though rights groups argue progress is slow.

Cabello, as interior minister, is overseeing the release process. Hundreds of detainees reportedly remain in custody.

Global investors and economists are assessing fresh opportunities and risks as Venezuela stands at a historic turning point, with expectations of potential economic reform and renewed global engagement.

Global markets are closely watching developments in Venezuela as the country enters a new and unprecedented phase in its political history.

The capture of long-time leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces has triggered intense discussion among investors, economists, and policymakers worldwide.

While the event marks a sharp geopolitical shift, market participants are largely focused on what it could mean for economic stability and future growth.

Many analysts see the moment as opening the door to long-delayed structural reforms in one of the world’s most resource-rich nations.

Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, among the largest globally, are central to investor optimism surrounding a possible economic reset.

Energy markets, in particular, are assessing how renewed investment and rebuilding efforts could eventually restore production capacity.

Some investors believe the transition could unlock long-term value, especially if sanctions ease and international capital returns.

Economists caution that rebuilding institutions and infrastructure will take time, but acknowledge the scale of opportunity involved.

The broader market reaction so far has been measured, reflecting a wait-and-see approach rather than immediate volatility.

Analysts note that markets often respond less to the shock itself and more to clarity about the path forward.

Attention is also turning to how Venezuela’s reintegration could influence global oil supply dynamics.

Increased output over time could add flexibility to energy markets already navigating geopolitical uncertainty elsewhere.

Strategists say this development may reshape regional dynamics in Latin America and beyond.

There is also discussion about how the move signals a more assertive U.S. stance on global political change.

Some observers believe the episode may encourage renewed diplomatic efforts in other long-standing geopolitical disputes.

From an economic perspective, optimism is being tempered by lessons from past post-authoritarian transitions.

History shows that political change often brings short-term challenges alongside long-term promise.

Still, many market participants are encouraged by the possibility of policy clarity after years of uncertainty.

Emerging market investors are particularly attentive to signs of legal reform, currency stabilization, and institutional rebuilding.

If successful, Venezuela could gradually re-emerge as a significant player in global energy and consumer markets.

Economists stress that sustainable growth will depend on inclusive governance and transparent economic management.

International cooperation and multilateral engagement are seen as critical to supporting a smooth transition.

The developments have also sparked discussion about broader shifts in global risk appetite.

In some cases, geopolitical change can reignite investor confidence rather than suppress it.

As markets prepare for the next trading sessions, the focus remains firmly on fundamentals and forward guidance.

Overall, the situation is being viewed not just as a political event, but as a potential economic inflection point.

For investors, the coming months will be about separating short-term noise from long-term opportunity.

What emerges next could redefine Venezuela’s place in the global economy after years on the sidelines.